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One of the pretty sites in Pinellas County for many years was a lovely little island in the middle of Clearwater Bay called "Little Tahiti."

Besides attracting boaters and boat tours, it was a pretty site seen from many places around Clearwater Bay, including Sand Key, Belleair, the Memorial Causeway and even Morton Plant Hospital.

It was previously called Little Tahiti by many because it was a pretty little tropical island with some bushes and several trees. It was a beautiful landmark in Pinellas County, which certainly was appreciated by many.

However, over a couple of decades, several tropical storms have wiped out the bushes and trees and the former pretty little island is now just a sandbar. Unfortunately, no civic groups, cities or commercial boat tour companies have replaced the fallen trees and other vegetation to restore it.

Isn't it time for community and/or city or county leaders to finally step in and restore this little island back to its former beauty? Or perhaps some local resident or seasonal visitor could fund the restoration.

Bernard Browne, Clearwater

New Clearwater Marine Aquarium proposed for City Hall site

Aquarium plan misses the mark

I think the idea of the city of Clearwater giving up City Hall for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is absurd.

The aquarium has already acquired additional land and we have already donated money to that endeavor.

I do not understand how the city or its citizens benefit. If the aquarium needs more space, what is wrong with the Harborview Center? It is vacant and there is parking available. It would make people visiting the aquarium actually drive through downtown and maybe that would increase business down Cleveland Street.

Isn't that the sort of endeavor the City Council and mayor should be looking for?

As a lifelong resident of Clearwater, I am not sure where we are heading and this is just one more step down this outrageous road.

Jeanne Holmquist, Clearwater

Official: Learn about EMS, story, March 6

EMS tour aims to slant the debate

I find it amusing that Sunstar cheerleader and County Commissioner Susan Latvala wants to educate elected officials on the workings of the county EMS system, when most of them, especially the fire chiefs, who are also invited, are well aware of how it operates.

She says we should be "honest" with each other, while plans opposing hers are labeled "rhetoric." One can only guess as to what this two-hour tour will encompass, but my bet is it will paint the out-of-state based, for-profit Sunstar as the county EMS savior while fire departments are magically transformed into unreasonable villains.

So much for "honesty."

Tony Mercer, Palm Harbor

A wide world of flavors, story, March 7

Thank you for story on market

I would like to extend my greatest gratitude for allowing correspondent Elaine Markowitz to write her article regarding my market in Dunedin. Words cannot express my appreciation and continued support of your newspaper and the great stories and news that you share. I am honored to have been featured in your newspaper and grateful for Elaine's eloquence in writing and sharing my story.

Ghada E. Abdo, International Food Mart, Dunedin

>>Your voice counts

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